7 civilians killed during rebel clashes near national park in Congo

At least seven civilians were killed during fighting between Wazalendo combatants and M23 rebels in the Irimbi Katana groupement, near Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The clashes began on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and disrupted daily life in the Katana commercial centre and surrounding areas amid heavy and light weapons fire.

According to local residents, Wazalendo fighters launched an assault on the village of Kabushwa. The victims included people heading to the market and others gathering vegetables in the Lushesha plantation.

A human rights defender, speaking on condition of anonymity, said three of the seven victims were women, including a mother of ten children.

The fighting triggered a large-scale displacement of residents from the villages of Ciriri, Ciduva, Muhungu and Mbulamishi. Many of those displaced have gathered in the centre of Katana and are seeking assistance.

Katana (in Kabare territory), along with the territories of Kalehe and Fizi, has been among the areas most affected by recurring clashes involving Wazalendo groups, Congolese army (FARDC) forces and M23 rebels (allied with RDF and Twirwaneho elements).